An Italian Marvel: The Floating Scaligero Castle

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May 17, 2018148

BY: Jerry Finzi,

Castello Scaligero (Scaligero Castle), in the commune of Sirmione, sits on a thin peninsula jutting out into the southern end of Lake Garda. Essentially, the ramparts of the castle function as a small fortified harbor for what was the Scaligera fleet.

The castle has a de facto moat (the surrounding lake) and even a drawbridge through which visitors enter. There are 146 steps which take you up to ramparts of the walls which look down upon the little harbor. There is a small walkway around which bowmen would be stationed to ward off any intruders from the lake in addition to defensive towers.